|
Truly a Texas-sized flea market, Canton's First Monday Trade Days are always held the weekend preceding the first Monday of every month. You can’t actually shop on the first Monday of the month, with the exception of Labor Day, but it started out that way over 100 years ago and the name stuck. To think you can see it all in one day is like thinking you can see Disney World in one day--not possible. First Monday grounds cover roughly the same walking area as three city malls-- over 1000 vendors on 300 acres. You can find everything and anything from antique furniture, to retro jewelry to just plain junk.
Canton, Texas, is about one hour east of Dallas on Interstate 20. Travelling from the east it is about two hours west on I20 from Shreveport, Louisiana. Taking the Highway 19 exit will lead you right to the First Monday main gate. The smarter route is to take the exit before, Highway 17, and bypass all the traffic. The locals know the visitors will be sitting in a traffic jam on the main road, so there is virtually no waiting in line to park. The Highway 17 exit actually leads to The Marketplace and The Mountain, so you will find a closer parking spot and less crowded pavilions by starting here.
Parking is $3.00 everywhere, so look for the closest space you can get. Seasoned shoppers know to pick up the current edition of The Canton Guide, available free at any convenience store. Inside you can find coupons for discounts from vendors and even a free one-day parking coupon. There is a shuttle that runs between the shopping areas, so you won’t have to move your car when you’re ready to check out another area.
If possible, plan to start your visit on Friday. Many vendors are already set up and doing business by Thursday for their regular customers. Popular collectibles tend to disappear by Saturday afternoon. Normal hours are daylight to dark, with the exception being the last trade days before Christmas. Then, you will find vendors tend to stay open as long as they can, sometimes up until 8 p.m., weather permitting. You can find the official schedule at www.firstmondaycanton.com. Cash is welcome everywhere and checks are accepted with identification, but only the larger vendors accept credit cards.
First Monday is divided into four distinctly different areas. The first, referred to as "The Pavilions,” is the oldest, and most established. Here you will find the most furniture, clothing, antiques, collectibles, and floral arrangements. The pavilions are covered, but only fan cooled or heated. Always bring a visor or hat and sunglasses are a must when planning a trip in summer. A wagon is also nice to cart around your treasures and don’t forget your most comfy walking shoes.
Food vendors are abundant and range from turkey legs to salads. Always available: baked potatoes, corn dogs, pretzels, bar-b-que, and hamburgers. Water is sold everywhere, but expect to pay at least a dollar per bottle. Seating is provided near all the concessions. There are even a few sit-down restaurants. The open-air dealers are also in this area, and the merchandise offered is similar to that you find in a garage sale.
On to Old Mill Marketplace. Two blocks east of the main gate, it's a jog, so take the shuttle for a dollar that runs around the grounds about every 20 minutes. Here almost all the vendors are in one of the seven covered pavilions. The merchandise tends to be more artsy-craftsy with a sprinkling of antiques and collectibles. You can check out their website at www.oldmillmarketplace.com.
The Mountain, directly across from the Marketplace, is a collection of permanent shops set into a steep, wooded hill. During the warmer months vendors here stay open past dark. There are air-conditioned shops and eating establishments. Typically Native American crafts, rustic wooden furniture, and Western art can be found here. On Saturday evenings, they have an old-west gunfight re-enactment and free country or gospel music concerts start around dusk. Overnight accommodations are available on The Mountain. The Honeysuckle Rose Bed & Bath provides rooms that sleep up to 6 people for around $99.00 a night. Dodge-City Bed & Breakfast rooms have private full baths, and are wheelchair accessible.
Don't forget to check out the unique shops on the square. Open year round, you'll find everything from coffee to western wear to antiques. The first must-see place to stop is the Canton Dish Barn, located one block west of the square. They carry the ever-popular Fiesta dinnerware; even the hard to find discontinued colors. If you missed lunch, stop in at The Tea Room and enjoy their homebaked pies, cakes, and cookies. Next, head over to Friends for a great cup of coffee or cappuccino. Canton is truly a Texas experience not to be missed!
|
| |
